If you want to know how to make him feel like a man when he’s down, you need to learn how to stroke your man’s ego. It’s easier than you think!
Ah, the famous male ego. Easily damaged, yet extremely powerful, learning how to stroke your man’s ego will put you in control. The other plus point is, this will also make him feel like a man and boost his confidence.
Of course, in a healthy relationship, there is no space for ego. In this case we’re not talking about an inflated sense of self or having a head so big it won’t fit through the door. We’re talking about the male ego; the need to feel like they’re making you happy. They want to feel like they’re protecting you and being the alpha male character.
Whether you want him to actually be an alpha male or not, the male ego has a need to think that way. So, if you want your relationship to flourish and for your guy to feel like a king, you need to learn how to stroke your man’s ego with ease. [Read: What is peacocking? The many types and why guys show off around girls]
What does ‘stroking a guy’s ego’ mean?
First things first, before you can learn how to stroke your man’s ego, you need to know what the term means. Basically, every guy has an ego; some more than others. However, by stroking his ego, you’ll also make him feel like a man.
Why does he need that? Because guys just do. They want to be the alpha, they want to be protector and sometimes life pushes them down. When you’re stroking a guy’s ego, you’re helping to boost his confidence and make him feel capable and strong.
It’s easy to assume that guys always feel that way, but they’re human at the end of the day. Life happens and things can make us all feel low. [Read: How to help someone up when they’re feeling down and depressed]
Why should you stroke your man’s ego?
Why? Because as a partner, it’s your responsibility to build your man up when he’s feeling low, just as he would for you. The aim here isn’t to make his head huge and unbearable to handle, it’s to subtly remind him that you think he’s amazing.
Everyone wants to feel that their partner adores them and thinks they’re great. But, guys also want to be seen as strong, protecting and capable. They want to know that you see them that way.
If you want your man to be happy and for your relationship to be positive, learning how to stroke your man’s ego just enough is key.
Of course, don’t go overboard because an over-confident man is even worse! [Read: How to deal with a depressed person]
How to stroke your man’s ego when he’s feeling down
For whatever reason, men don’t typically like to discuss their feelings and the things that are going wrong in their lives. And as frustrating as that may be, there is one thing that they all have in common that we can use to make them feel better. The need to feel manly.
What better way to stroke his ego than to emphasize these characteristics in him? [Read: 14 things you say or do that makes your man feel less manly]
1. Show him that you need him
Men love to feel like we can’t do things without them. Even if it’s as simple as asking them to open the pickle jar for you. This not only makes them feel wanted and needed, but it also plays up their strength – making them feel good about their physical shape.
A lot of men put their worth in how much we need them. So if they’re already feeling down and out – whether it’s related to anything like that or not – showing them that you need their strength in their life will make them feel secure again. [Read: The real reason behind why men love damsels in distress]
2. Compliment the work he’s done
Just like a woman loves to hear that her eyebrows look fantastic *and we know we slaved over them in order to achieve perfection*, a man likes to hear that the heavy shelf he hung up looks perfect in the walkway.
When they feel like their skills are being put to use and that they’re doing a good job, it lifts their spirits immensely. We know, it sounds so cliche, but give it a try and you’ll see how true it is.
3. Tell him that he’s special
Every man wants to hear that they’re not like others. Just as much as telling him that no one else could possibly do something as well as him will go a long way in making him feel better!
Something along the lines of, “no one has ever done _____ as well as you. That’s really unique and interesting,” will be sure to lift his spirits and get his ego back in check. [Read: 25 compliments for men they’ll never ever forget]
4. Be flirty with him
Make sure he feels like you still want to hop in the bed sheets with him even though whatever has happened is making him feel upset. Knowing that you still want him anyways will make him feel better about any situation.
Giving silent compliments is a great way to flirt with your man. Grab his butt and biceps or run your hands along his sexy abs. Spanking him as he’s walking by and following it with a wink is a great way to show your appreciation for him. [Read: 25 ways to make your guy feel appreciated and cared for]
5. Distract him
You can do this in any way you think will work. Take him to the mall, or a car show, or a concert, or whatever it is that he’s into. Taking his mind off of the thing that has him in a rut will make him feel better in no time.
6. Provide support
Men don’t normally like to talk outwardly about their issues and what is making them feel upset, but that doesn’t mean you can’t let them know you’re there.
Even if he doesn’t want to talk about the problem, it will make him feel better knowing that you realize he’s upset and will be there for him. He’ll also appreciate that you’re not pushing him to talk about it.
Giving a man his space will allow him time to self-reflect and figure out the issue on his own. It will also make you look like an awesome, understanding, and supportive significant other and he will recognize that. [Read: 10 obvious hints guys give when they want more space]
7. Give him a sexy back rub
Get a scented oil and tell him you want to make him feel good. Not only will the actual massage relax him and make him feel great, but he will also feel better knowing you want to rub him down with oils.
It may also lead to a little something else that will make him feel better in different ways. Wink wink! [Read: 12 foreplay moves for men that really, really work!]
8. Do him some favors
But don’t say anything about it. Silently doing something that you know he will like is enough to lighten his mood and make him feel good. He will realize that you not only recognize that he needs a pick-me-up, but that you’re willing to put in the work just for him.
That alone will make his ego sky rocket.
Things like cooking his favorite meal, doing his laundry, tidying up his place, and other favors like that will give him a break, reduce some of his stress. He’ll find appreciation in what you do for him as well. [Read: 67 sweet yet romantic gestures that show love in the biggest way]
9. Tell him he’s great
If you want to learn how to stroke your man’s ego effectively, tell him how great he is but in an occasional and powerful way. Don’t do it all the time.
There’s no need to tell him that he’s the best at driving, cooking, cleaning, etc. Just every so often, tell him that he’s great, and that he’s an expert at something important to him. [Read: 25 ways to be the best girlfriend and leave him addicted]
10. Make him think that great ideas are his, even if they’re yours
Again, don’t do this all the time. You need to have credit for good ideas too! When do it when you want him to think that something great is his idea, and get him to be more likely to do it.
For instance, if you want to go away for the weekend but you’re not sure if he’s going to go for it, twist it around and say that there’s a show on in such and such a place that he always wanted to see. He will then probably say that you should go together. Boom! You’ve come up with an idea and basically made it seem like it was his.
Okay, so it’s manipulative to a degree, but not negatively. And it’s a good way to learn how to stroke your man’s ego and still get what you want! [Read: 13 proven strategies to manipulate people that actually work]
11. Tell him you feel safe around him
A man wants to protect his partner. It’s almost like it’s engrained in his inner psyche. So, telling him that you always feel safe and protected when you’re with him is going to do a lot of ego boosting!
You don’t have to play the weaker one in the relationship to say this or make him feel this way. It’s actually more of a compliment for it to come from a partner who is independent and strong within themselves. In that case, he’s going to really feel like you mean it. [Read: 20 adorable ways to sweet-talk a guy and steal his heart]
12. Build him up in front of your friends
You have to do this in an authentic way, but complimenting him when he’s there and your friends are also in attendance is a great way to make him feel good. It’s going to be like the peacock puffing out his feathers!
However, less is more here. Just one compliment with a quick reason why is enough. Don’t go on and on; otherwise, he might feel embarrassed and that will have the opposite effect. [Read: 30 special compliments for guys to make them blush and make their day]
13. Make him proud of you
This one might seem odd, but a way to learn how to stroke your mans’ ego is to be yourself. Be strong and independent, and basically make him proud to be with you.
Most men don’t want to be around partners who are overly needy and who rely upon them for everything. That’s not the type of relationship you want either.
However, being yourself, sticking with your dreams, working hard, and spending time with your friends while prioritizing him too will all work in your favor, and in his at the same time. [Read: 17 easy yet powerful ways to be a really good girlfriend to your guy]
14. Pay enough attention to him
You’re not going to do anything for your guy’s ego if you don’t pay him attention. That doesn’t mean you should drop everything for him when he walks into the room but you should give him the amount of attention he deserves. You should make sure he feels he’s a priority in your life.
By doing that, you’re stroking his ego because he knows he’s doing something right in the relationship. [Read: 40 secrets on how to make your boyfriend happy and lucky to date you]
15. If he’s comfortable, show him affection in public
This one might not be on the list for your guy, because not everyone enjoys PDAs. However, if your guy isn’t adverse, showing a little affection in front of other people can make him feel on top of the world.
The key word here is ‘little.’ Do not jump on your man in public. It’s frowned upon! Just a small peck on the cheek and a smile, or holding his hand will be enough.
By doing this, you’re showing him that you don’t care who knows you’re together and in love. He’ll feel great! [Read: 15 ways public display of affection can save your relationship]
16. Be his cheerleader
In a relationship, you should be your guy’s biggest cheerleader and supporter. By doing that, you’re learning how to stroke your man’s with ease. He’ll be more confident if he knows you’re by his side too.
However, if you don’t agree with something he’s doing, it’s up to you to tell him. Be an authentic supporter and not a fake one. [Read: How to make your boyfriend happy over text and make him love you more]
17. Let him know that you love to be with him
Finally, if you want to make your guy feel great, just tell him that you love to be with him. It’s simple and extremely effective! Whether you realize it or not, every guy is wracked with doubts over whether they’re doing everything right in a relationship.
Are they ‘enough’ for their partner? And they worry that you’re wishing you were with someone else. By telling him that you love being with him, you get rid all those worries and boost his self-confidence at the same time. [Read: Small but powerful gestures that show your love]
18. Teach your kids to admire him
If you have children, or if he does, teach them to admire him as a man and everything he does for the family. This taps into his need to protect and there is no stronger urge to protect than a father with his children.
19. Tell him he’s the best kisser ever
This is a lighthearted one, but telling him that he’s a fantastic kisser will not only make him smile but it will boost his confidence too. Whether he will admit it to you or not, he’s probably wondered a few times about his kissing prowess. You can lay all of those doubts to rest! [Read: 30 types of kisses and what they mean]
20. Compliment his car
Yes, we know, it’s cliche, but some guys are crazy about their cars. It’s almost as if the car is their baby! If that’s the case with your guy, compliment their car using as much knowledge as you can muster.
It’s probably not going to cut the mustard to just say you like the color, but if that’s all you can come up with, go for it. He’ll be pleased you noticed and complimenting his car is like complimenting him!
21. Put him in charge of the directions
Sorry, but this is a man thing. By putting him in charge of the directions, you’re showing him that you feel safe in his ability. You’re entrusting him with the responsibility to get you safely from A to B.
Do your best to hold in any criticism when you take a wrong turn or you’re not sure if you’re actually going in the right direction. He will get you there in the end and that’s the trust you need to show him if you want to learn how to stroke your man’s ego. [Read: How to tell how your partner feels and learn to read their mind]
Boost your man’s confidence and your relationship
When you make him feel like a man, he will have more confidence within himself. His self-worth will increase and he will feel like he is doing his job as your partner.
We all have these needs and you don’t have to totally understand them to know that they’re there.
Ultimately, you know your man better than anyone else, so you really will have all the secrets to making him feel better already.
[Read: 15 sweet ways to make a guy feel needed and wanted in the relationship]
Use these tips and to learn how to stroke your man’s ego to success – just be careful that you don’t stroke it too much or you’ll have another problem on your hands!